Pets Information


Things To Think About Before You Buy A Pet Bird


While a bird is an easy pet to care for, they do require just as much commitment and preparation as any other type of pet. Whether you are buying a small parakeet or an large parrot, you should make sure that you are prepared to care for your new feathered friend properly.

One thing that all pets, including birds need is attention. If your schedule has you working long hours and not spending much time at home, perhaps you should consider a fish tank instead of a bird. A bird cannot be left in it's cage alone all the time and still be expected to be friendly on the odd days when you feel like playing with it. Some birds require more interaction than others, but they are social creatures and need you to set aside some time each day to play with them. You can use this time to teach them tricks and strengthen the bond between you.

When considering bringing a bird into your home, you must think about the safety of your new pet. Are there other pets in the house that could be threatening to the bird? Are there tiny nooks and crannies that a bird could get into and hurt himself? Do the other members of your family leave the windows and doors open where the bird could fly out and be lost? All these things must be considered for the safety of your new pet

The purchase and placement of his cage is another consideration. You must buy a cage that is the right size for your bird. Many parrots become quite adept at opening their own cage doors so you should consider how easy the cage is to break out of. The cage should be made out of a safe material and have bars spaced in such a way that the bird cannot get his head stuck in between them. There should be no sharp edges and their should be appropriate food and water dishes as well as perches inside the cage. Cages can be expensive, but don't skimp on this as it is your pets new home!

Before you buy the cage, consider where you will be keeping it. It is best if the cage can be in a quiet corner but near family activities as your bird really wants to be part of the family. You should keep it out of direct sunlight, and away from any drafts or anywhere that could have a sudden change in temperature like in front of the heater or air conditions. Avoid placing the cage in the kitchen as fumes and hot surfaces can be hazardous. Be aware that the fumes from nonstick pans can be deadly to a pet bird, so make sure you get rid of all your non stick pans before bringing your bird home. Of course, you will want to keep the cage out of the path of traffic so you need to buy a cage that is the appropriate size for your bird as well as the right size to fit in the intended area.

Depending on the size of your bird, you may want to consider the level of noise that he will produce. Parakeets make little chirpy noises that, for the most part, are not annoying. Conures, on the other hand have a shrill call that goes right through you. Most happy birds will not yell constantly, but it is natural for them to call out at times so make sure you (and your neighbors) can handle the level of noise produced by the bird.

Finally, make sure that you want to commit to the care that is necessary to have a happy healthy bird. You'll need to clean out the cage daily and make sure you provide fresh food and water. Food your bird a varied diet and have him checked by a vet (preferably one who specializes in birds) every year.

Birds can be very rewarding pets and take minimal care but they must be provided with a comfortable and safe environment and your companionship in order to thrive. Many birds can live for 20 years or more, so you are making a long commitment when you bring home your new feathered friend. This commitment to care and companionship is well worth it, however, as the rewards of owning these enchanting creatures are many!

Lee Dobbins is owner and editor of ePet Pet Center where you can find information on every type of pet including pet birds.


MORE RESOURCES:

Don't dump your pet when times are tough
USA Today - 8 hours ago
As the economy has tanked, most shelters are reporting not only a spike in what they call "owner surrenders," pets given up by the owners (often because of ...
Marley & Me Should Be Required Viewing For Potential Pet Owners Blogcritics.org
Not safe to allow pets to roam free Hickory Daily Record
Summer gets pets hot under the collar Bendigo Advertiser
Dog Channel - StarNewsOnline.com
all 6 news articles


Outgoing mayor pardons incoming mayor's pet pig
Los Angeles Times, CA - 8 hours ago
The Nevada Appeal explains: The issue of candidates' pets came up in June before the primary election when then-candidate-for-mayor Pete Hansell objected to ...
Outgoing mayor pardons pet pig Nevada Appeal
all 5 news articles


South Carolina Now

Requests flood new free pet clinic
Examiner.com - 15 hours ago
by Sharon Harleigh, LA Pet Examiner Yet another sign of the hard times pet owners are facing - hundreds of requests poured in to the Humane Society in Tampa ...
Humane Society to Distribute Free Food for Pets WFMZ-TV Online
Humane Society of Berks County Announces Free Pet Food ... Lancaster Newspapers
Some pet owners giving them up due to economic stress Moultrie Observer
Journal and Courier - Fort Mills Times
all 27 news articles


Shelters deal with influx of Christmas-gift pets
The Virginian-Pilot, VA - 1 hour ago
(Bill Tiernan | The Virginian-Pilot) By Alicia PQ Wittmeyer Cocoa, a 4-month-old black pit bull puppy, was purchased from a pet store a few weeks before ...
SPCA pets of the week Victoria Star
Rock 4 Pets in Bridgeton to benefit Cumbeerland Co. SPCA The Bridgeton News - NJ.com
New Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic Opens MyNC.com
Pocono Record - Yuma Sun
all 16 news articles


Pets | Fifi can help you find your way to fitter future
Kansas City Star, MO - Jan 5, 2009
Chances are many of the resolutions you’ve made this year — eat healthier, get more exercise, help others by volunteering — can be shared with your pet. ...
The First Business of Pet Writing Conference Features Publishing ... PR Web (press release)
Do you know where your dog is? San Francisco Chronicle
Get off on the right foot (or paw) in 2009 St. Louis Post-Dispatch
all 11 news articles


Winter Can Pose Hidden Dangers For Pets
Boston Channel.com,  USA - 5 hours ago
Winter poses many challenges for local pet owners, including dangers that can’t be seen under the snow. NewsCenter 5's Kelley Tuthill reported that's a ...
Woman issues warning after her dog injured at park Daily News Tribune
all 11 news articles


SoCal clinic helps pets bounce back from injury
Los Angeles Times, CA - Jan 5, 2009
Many of us have been there, and many of our pets have been there too. Luckily for Southern California dogs and cats (and even rabbits), a Santa Monica ...
Fido? He's in rehab -- for his knee (or is it his elbow?) Newsday
all 2 news articles


WBOY-TV

Residents Reunited with Pets
WBOY-TV, WV - 5 hours ago
As residents return, many are also being reunited with their pets. Pet Helpers Inc is an organization that only started about three months ago. ...


Overland Park Family Fears Coyote Killed Pet
KCTV5 News, MO - 5 hours ago
They agree that for the time being, the best way to deal with them is to hire a professional trapper, keep a close watch on small pets and try not to leave ...
First coyote attack in Johnson County since April reported Kansas City Star
all 3 news articles


Meredith O'Brien: O’Briens and Obamas Ready for New Family Pet
The Patriot Ledger, MA - 8 hours ago
When my family pets had died when I was a kid, I remembered the deaths as being huge, traumatic events filled with crying and days of melancholy. ...

Pets - Google News

home | site map
© 2007