6 Things To Keep In Mind If You’re Going To Get A Pet Bird

Today, on Redhead Mom, I’m sharing a partnered guest post about
6 Things to Keep in Mind if You’re Going to Get a Pet Bird.

When people think of pets, their minds usually shoot straight to either cats or dogs. However, there are plenty of other animals that make just as great pets, even if they’re not as beloved.

Take birds, for instance. They’re intelligent creatures who are generally easier to care for, and more affordable too. Of course, as with any pet, they have their challenges, some of which new owners may be unaware of.

If you’ve recently taken in a bird, or you’re considering it, it’s essential that you understand exactly what this responsibility entails. These are the six most important things to keep in mind.

Some Birds Need a Lot of Attention

Most people who get a pet understand that they’ll need to give the animal plenty of attention. However, it seems that some owners forget this when it comes to birds.

While it’s true that some species aren’t that demanding, that’s not the case across the board. The level of attention required can differ massively, with parrots particularly insistent about socializing. If they don’t get enough hours of this a day, they get bored and develop destructive behaviors which could affect their health and your sanity.

So, if you’re going to bring home a bird, you must consider how much free time you have to dedicate to them. If it’s a lot and you’re willing to make the commitment, then something like a cockatoo or a macaw could be a great choice. Otherwise, you might want to opt for a canary or finch, which generally require the least amount of attention.

There Will Be a Lot Of Noise

If you love a bit of peace and quiet, getting a pet bird might not be a good idea. There’s no promise you’ll be able to relax with a good book or sleep soundly at night when they’re prone to making noise at any point. Whether that be talking, chirping, screeching, or whatever sound they feel like producing, it’s rare to find a bird that doesn’t like to make its presence known. You can reduce the noise you hear from them with soundproof panels uk.

Obviously, they don’t act like an alarm clock 24/7, so you will be able to hear yourself think at times. However, it’s better to know how noisy they can be now, rather than finding out the hard way.

They Don’t All Eat the Same Stuff

You might think that it’s a one-diet-fits-all situation when it comes to feeding pet birds. However, while different species generally eat the same thing, that doesn’t mean they all have identical dietary requirements.

For instance, a cockatiel and a budgie can typically enjoy the same food, but the former may require slightly more calorific content than the latter. To ensure that your bird gets the right level of nutrition, it’s always best to buy the food that’s specifically aimed at them.

Fortunately, sellers like Little Peckers offer such products tailored to parrots, canaries, budgies, cockatiels, and more. Whatever species your pet is, you should be able to find the bird food that meets their needs. You can also buy bird feeders, cages, and other accessories too, as well as garden bird supplies if you want to show the wildlife as much love as your caged pet.

They Can Become Overly-Attached to One Person

It’s typical for pets to bond with those who care for them day after day. If you’re responsible for feeding and playing with them, then it’s only natural that you’ll be the person they favor. Unfortunately, this can be a problem with birds.

If your pet only develops a bond to you and no-one else, they can sometimes become combative with other people in the family. They don’t like having to share you with anyone else, potentially leading to aggressive behavior. Fixing this can take a lot of time and effort – if it’s even possible – which is why it’s important to share responsibilities with your loved ones.

Try to ensure that everyone in your home does their part to tend to the bird’s needs. That way, the animal is less likely to become fixated on one person, removing the risk of tension between your family and your pet.

Certain Fumes Can Be Toxic

Birds have a more effective respiratory system than humans, meaning they take in more oxygen with every breath. However, it appears this is a double-edged sword, as this also makes the pets far more vulnerable to respiratory problems.

If there are toxins in the air of your home, they can have a severe impact on your bird’s health. Cigarette smoke, air fresheners, and cleaning supplies could all affect your pet if they come into contact with the fumes. Smoke outside or far from your pet bird. Teflon cookware is particularly problematic for birds, as the coating gives off a toxic fume. It might not be a problem for humans, but for your aviary pet, it could be deadly.

So, be mindful of the fumes you might expose your bird to if you have one in your home. You don’t want to find out too late that something might be harmful to them.

Various Houseplants Can Also Harm Their Health

It’s not just everyday fumes that can put your bird’s health at risk. Certain houseplants are also toxic if your pet ingests them. Obviously, if you let your bird out of its cage regularly, that can be a big issue.

To avoid any harm coming to your aviary companion, it’s best not to have any of these plants in your home. If you do own them, make sure they’re in rooms that your pet will never reach; otherwise, you could face serious consequences.

If you love houseplants, don’t worry because they’re not all toxic. You just need to check before buying them that they won’t do any harm should your bird ever eat them. Obviously, the hope is that your pet won’t ever develop a craving for plant life, but you never know what might happen if you take your eye off them.

Birds can make the most amazing pets if you give them a chance. However, as with any animal, they have certain needs and behaviors that can be tricky to deal with. As long as you’re aware of these beforehand, though, you can easily decide whether or not you’re up for the responsibility.