What to Consider when Purchasing a Pet Bird

Having a bird as a pet can be a wonderful alternative to dog or cat. These lively creatures can not only give just as many years of enjoyment and companionship, but are easier to manage than most typical animals which serve as pets. A pet bird will require little more than a cage, food, water, and maybe a few sources of entertainment (swings, toys, etc.)

There are however, various factors that need to be taken into consideration when owning a pet bird. The first of which is the bird selection process. Upon choosing the actual bird you would like, you need to make certain it is healthy and has been well cared for by its previous care taker. Generally, you should avoid choosing a sickly or physically impaired bird unless you have the skills and education to nurse it back to health. The common person will not likely be able to rehabilitate a bird. Usually, most animal department stores supply healthy, capable animals. This is why being careful when choosing a bird applies much more when purchasing one from somewhere or someone who is not in the business of animal sales. Typically, privately owned stores and shops will have the best birds.

A sign of sickness in birds is if their feathers appear puffy and rough. They could possibly be inactive with little response and might cover their head with their wings. Bird sneezing is another sign of sickness. Droppings on their tail feathers and drainage from their nostrils or beaks are unusual symptoms which indicate sickness. If a bird rarely flies around its cage, flaps its wings, or chirps and/or if it spends most of the time on the bottom of the cage, it is surely very sick. Some signs of a healthy bird to look for include eating often, exhibiting shinny feathers, being energetic, and having bright attentive eyes.

How much the bird has been dealt with and touched by humans is also important. A bird that has not been exposed or associated with humans very often or treated badly will not make a fun, enjoyable pet. Try to find a bird that is friendly and interactive. Learning how and where to hold your bird will be necessary as to not harm the bird. Certain areas of the bird are susceptible to being damaged if improperly handled. Usually the bird handlers at any pet shop will be able to inform you on the correct way to hold a bird.

After you have selected the bird that seems physical well and you are happy with, you will need to take the bird to see a veterinarian or bird specialist to make sure the bird is ok. Returning the bird in the case that it is deficient should not be a problem.

The veterinarian or specialist will be very helpful in giving you tips on how and what your specific bird will need to be fed, any medical needs it will need, the best methods or taking care of it, and suggest what kind of training is suitable. Being very accurate with the recommended diet is extremely important. You should not go for the money savers when it comes to your bird's food, for this can cause it to be unhealthy and possibly die.

The bird's cage should be as large as you can reasonably store in your house. Obviously the bar spacing will need to be small enough so that the bird will not be able to fly out of the cage. The best bird perch is one that is made of a safe wood, not prone to splinting or chipping. Also, if you are making an addition to your current bird collection, temporarily separating the new bird from the others is a good idea to a smooth transition to introducing the birds.

Last, you should be friendly and loving to your pet bird. Don't be afraid to take it out to socialize and play with it.