When I was a little boy, my twin brothers had parakeets as pets. When they would clean the cage out, they would let the parakeets fly loose in the house. It never failed that a family member would go out the back door or come in the front door while the birds were loose. Inevitably, one or both birds would fly away never to be seen again. If you are considering getting a pet bird, it is wise to know the type of bird you are considering and how to care for the bird before you make the purchase. Otherwise like my brothers, you end up losing your birds and filled with heartbreak.
There are many different kinds of pet birds from finches to falcon hawks. Each bird has its own personality and characteristics that a potential owner should be aware of before being a pet bird owner. For example, all parrots need a lot of stimulating activities to keep from being bored and terribly destructive to themselves and their surroundings. In particular, Amazon parrots are cavity nesters in the wild, their desire to chew wood is strong, and they need to be provided with destructible toys to satisfy this innate urge. Amazons are very intelligent, loyal, vocal and playful. They make good companions for those bird owners who are able to provide them with attention. However, during their mating season they can be very aggressive. They are not for the inexperienced pet bird owner. They take more attention and care than other pets such as dogs or cats. The potential owner should also know that they will be living with an animal that acts like a two-year old for 50 or more years. Their long life span is a factor a potential owner needs to consider. In some states, a parrot owner is required by state law to provide provisions in their will for the care of the parrot.
Being a pet bird owner is not a simple as one might think. The pet bird owner who is inexperience may encounter more challenges in caring for the bird than they originally considered. On one hand, pet birds can give a great deal of joy to the owner who understands the bird’s needs and requirement. On the other the improper care can bring misery and heartbreak to the pet owner who is not well acquainted with the needs of the pet bird.
