It is vitally important to your bird's future that you are physically, mentally, and psychologically prepared for the responsibilities and commitment that come with owning a bird. Birds are definitely NOT "show pieces" that can be purchased, enjoyed, and subsequently left in a corner for your intermittent viewing pleasure after you have become "bored" with them! They are living, breathing beings with their own needs, personal quirks, and personalities. Much like human children, birds require love, training, supervision and discipline to become friendly, loving and desirable companions. Unlike human children, captive birds never "grow up" or mature enough to be able to take care of themselves; therefore they will forever depend on us to provide them what they need to be safe, healthy, and happy. Many species of birds also have very long life spans. Your bird may very well outlive you!
If you are single, and have a job that requires you to be away from home often, a bird would probably not be the ideal companion for you. On the other hand, a busy household whose occupants are involved in many extra-curricular activities may not have the time available that is needed to nurture a relationship with a bird. Every household is different, and the reasons for wanting a bird as a companion are different. Birds are not aesthetic objects that were "such a good deal" that you decided you would take one home! There is a vast difference between the ability to sustain a life, and the ability to nurture it. These are things that must be taken into consideration before you go any further:
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- Are you willing to adjust your lifestyle to
accommodate the needs of a bird?
- Do you have ample time to spend with your bird, to bond with it, and teach it socialization skills?
- Are you aware that birds (some species more than others) can be particularly noisy at no specific time of the day, and for no specific reason?
- Are you willing to routinely spend the money necessary to keep your bird in good health?
- Are you willing to provide the extras that your bird may need such as: mineral blocks,
cuttlebone and iodine blocks
- Are you willing to spend money on toys like swings, ropes and chew toys; only to have them destroyed by your bird?
- Are you willing to clean the cage on a daily basis, provide fresh food and water, fruits and vegetables, and birdbaths?
- Are you willing to do ample reading to try to stay abreast of all the changes in aviculture, so that you can provide what is best for your bird?
- And lots of others.......
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