If you think a bird is just a pretty ball of feathers in a cage, think again! Birds make great family pets!
- Birds are great for apartment living because they don’t take up a lot of space and don’t need daily walks. Check with your rental property — they may not charge an extra pet fee to keep a bird in your apartment!
- If you live alone, a bird’s chirps and twitters help break the silence and keep you company.
- Birds are very social! The more time you give to your bird, the stronger your bond will be. Birds can be every bit as loving and attentive as a cat or dog.
- Birds are smarter than the average bear. Or the average dog. Or the average cat! Birds are near the top of the heap when it comes to animal intelligence.
- Birds don’t need to be housebroken, and you don’t have to worry about them marking their territory.
- Birds are relatively easy to train. They are usually eager to learn new things from their families.
- Training a bird is far less physically demanding. Would you rather teach a hundred pound dog a trick, or a tiny bird? Are you strong enough to walk that big dog?
- A bird probably won’t be a danger to the young, the elderly, or the disabled. A big, over-enthusiastic dog may unintentionally knock a child down or throw an older person out of balance.
- Birds don’t need a lot of help grooming. They tend to be very hygienic, preening their feathers daily. You’ll save money on professional grooming! Your bird may need an occasional nail trimming, and that’s about it.
- Bird food can be less expensive than other pet foods. Sharing the fresh fruits and vegetables you prepare for yourself can add nutrients and variety to your bird’s diet.
- Birds tend to live much longer than other pets, saving you from the heartbreak of losing a pet for many years to come.
- Don’t underestimate the fascination factor! Birds are pretty, but they’re also interesting to watch!
- Having a pet can reduce stress and give people a purpose.