Tag Archives: bird care

What to Consider When Getting a Bird

Now that I’ve covered the things we should think about when adopting America’s two most beloved pets, cats and dogs, it’s time to branch out into the other many species of pets commonly available. Today I’m going to go over the basics of what to think about when getting a bird. It’s hard to cover the details required when considering getting a bird, because unlike most breeds of cats and dogs, different types of birds often require very different types of care. Still, there are some universal ideas to ponder when determining whether or not your lifestyle is appropriate for … Continue reading →

Bird Basics: Lovebirds

The name “lovebirds” isn’t just a cute name for a cute bird. These little birds form strong bonds with owners and mates and cannot thrive without frequent interaction. If you don’t have a lot of time to spend with your lovebird, you will need to purchase a mate to keep your feathered friend company. Lovebirds come from Africa and Madagascar and have been a popular pet bird for more than a century. They are extremely social, intelligent, playful, and affectionate. Because they are extremely active pets, lovebirds need space in their cages to explore, climb, and fly. They also love … Continue reading →

Parakeets

One of the most popular breeds of domestic bird is the parakeet, or budgerigar. These small birds originate from the grasslands and woods of central and southern Australia. In the wild, budgies are striped green and yellow with dark green flight feathers; domestic parakeets have been bred to include just about every color of the rainbow. Parakeets have been bred in captivity since the 1800s — and are still common as pets today. Their small size (under eight inches in length from tip of the tail to the tip of the beak) makes them easy to keep and care for. … Continue reading →

Bird Behavior: Biting

One of the most common problems bird owners have with their feathered friends is biting. There are several reasons why an exotic bird may bite; knowing why may help you avoid getting bitten. Birds may bite out of instinct. Certain instincts have not and/or cannot be bred out of a bird. Birds may bite out of fear or distrust of humans. A bird may bite someone he does not recognize or does not trust. Allowing an unfamiliar person to approach and try to pick up your bird may lead to a bite. A trip to the vet’s office (another strange … Continue reading →

Why Birds Make Great Pets

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 … Continue reading →

Bird Basics: Lifespans and Lifelong Care

If you are adding a bird to the family, be prepared for a long commitment. As a general rule, the larger a bird is, the longer it may live. In ideal conditions, you can expect these life spans from pet birds: Finches, canaries, and budgies can live fifteen years or more Cockatiels, lovebirds, doves, and pigeons can live twenty years or more Conures can live thirty years or more Amazons and African greys can live fifty years or more Macaws can live sixty years or more Cockatoos can live sixty-five years or more Want to keep your bird happy and … Continue reading →

Bird Basics: Choosing The Right Bird For You

Keeping a bird for a pet isn’t as big a commitment as having a dog or a cat, right? WRONG! Larger parrots can live fifty years or more, and a Macaw can live for close to a hundred years. The bird you buy today may be a commitment for the rest of your life. So how do you pick the right bird for you and your family? Think about size. Generally speaking, the bigger the bird, the bigger the commitment you’re making. Your bird’s size will determine how large a cage you’ll need, how much cleaning up you’ll do, and … Continue reading →