Will getting a bird fit into your lifestyle?  Take a look at your space as this is essential for the birds.  Take into consideration your neighbors as birds may get boisterous.  You might want to get a manageable-sized birds and perhaps species that are quieter especially if you live in a condo unit or in an apartment.

So why decide on a bird as a pet?  Below are fundamental basis that can assist you in deciding on getting a bird for your pet.

1.   Intelligence of birds.  Birds are smart creatures.  They have the ability to be trained and taught as they are curious about their surroundings.  When you get a bird for a pet, their learning will largely depend on how interact and treat them.  Other pet animals will not learn to greet you but your bird can.  This is especially true if you allot sufficient time interacting with them.

2. Birds being social creatures although this would greatly depend on the species of the bird.  A remuneration you get from your pet bird is their affection.  You could also get this satisfaction from other pets.  Birds reciprocate your love if you show them that you care and they feel it, as well.

3. Birds are easy to handle.  Morning and afternoon walks are not required of you for your bird.  They do need regular grooming but not all the time.  Leaving your birds at home is not an issue as you can just place them in their aviaries and provide them water and food which will be sufficient until you get back home.

3. Training your birds can be fairly simple. Your birds are eager to learn from you. So if you will be able to teach them what you want them to know, they will easily get what you want them to do. You can start with simple tasks like whistling. Then you can proceed in teaching them few words to start widening their vocabulary. If you want, you can get a trainer for your pets. But it will be best if you can provide such training even if you don’t have much experience about the matter. This is your chance to bond with your pets and to develop nurturing emotions toward each other.

4. Ease of training your pet bird.  Birds are keen to be trained.  If you are teach them they could easily pick up things.  You may even start by teaching them to whistle.  Birds could also learn words if given ample training.

You must only make sure that you keep the cages of your pet birds clean all the time to keep them away from sickness and other injuries that they may incur in the process.

Aviaries for birds come in different styles and sizes.  When purchasing a cage, it should be, as a rule of thumb, bigger than your pet bird.  Enclosing your bird in a small space could bring bad effects on the behavior of your birds.  Among these undesirable traits would be feather plucking, biting, screaming and some psychological disorders.

A good size for a cage is when your pet bird can comfortably walk around it and your pet would have the ability to fully extend and flap their wings.  Placing food, water, toys and other accessories would take up space in the cage so you should also take this into consideration.

The gaps between the bars of the cage should not be too wide for your bird to squeeze in and possibly escape.  A half an inch gap between bars should be sufficient if you have smaller birds.  Horizontal bars along with the vertical bars are advisable if you have bigger birds.

Inspect the lock or latch of the cages.  Make sure that this cannot be easily opened by the bird.  Birds are smart creatures and some are quick enough to be able to do this.

Bird cages come in different shapes, as well.  It is recommended to get angled cages instead of round ones.  Research shows that round cages are not so good for the birds.  Anyway, angled cages can still be hung or mounted on a stand.

You should also get a cage that can be cleaned easily.  Bird cages should also be cleaned and washed regularly from accumulated bird poop so selecting a cage that can be hygienically maintained is advisable.

The last thing you have to consider when choosing a cage for your pet bird is where you will be putting it once you bring it home. The ideal spot should be spacious and far away from drafts and windows.

Also take into account where you’d be placing the cage.  An ideal place should be roomy and far from flow of air and windows.

Selecting the appropriate cage for your pet will partly guarantee a long life for your bird.  For working owners, ensure that you leave your pet with toys to keep them amused while you are away.  Bird cage accessories like perches and even toys make your bird diverted while alone.

Try to take your bird out of the cage when you are home so they can fly about in the house.  Although some birds can stay cooped in their cage the whole day, giving them time to extend their wings and exercise however ensure that doors and windows are closed so they won’t be able to fly out and never come back.

Chocolates are a delicious treat – for humans but not for bird consumption.  It has a catastrophic consequence on the digestive system of our birds.  Diarrhea and vomiting may be evident and as the crisis spreads to the central nervous system of the bird, it may result to seizures and an untimely demise.

Fruits such as apples, pears, apricots, peaches and cherries should not be fed to your birds.  Seeds of these fruits have traces of cyanide which is harmful.  If the fruit trees are not grown organically these may have been exposed to harmful chemicals.

Avocado is another fruit that should never be given to your pet bird on it’s aviary.  The skin and pit of avocado may result to cardiac distress and failure in some bird varieties.  As it’s better to be safe than be regretful, simply pass up feeding this to your bird.

Whilst vegetables are good for us, this may not be the case for birds.  Some veggies would have bad effects on your birds and among the list are onions and mushrooms.  The latter is bad for the bird’s digestive system while the latter attacks the respiratory system of the bird.

Still, not all vegetables are harmful to birds.  You may offer your pet potatoes, tomatoes and other nightshades vegetables provided you give it to them cleaned and sliced.

Birds should never be offered drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine.  Alcohol can weaken the bird’s organ systems that could lead to serious issues.  Caffeine’s result to a bird could also be fatal as it causes cardiac malfunction.  Arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, hyperactivity and heart palpitation may also result with caffeine intake.  So apart from water, pure fruit and vegetable juice could supply the nutritional requirements of our pet birds.

Salt or any foods with salt content should not be given to birds.  This could lead to thirst and dehydration, kidney dysfunction and even death.

And never ever give your birds dry or raw beans as it contains hemaglutin which is toxic.  Cook beans first before feeding it to your birds.

There is a different diet for pet birds.  Having the knowledge of what to appropriately feed them will guarantee their longevity.  It is essential to take particular care with their diet otherwise it’s like throwing money down the drain.

To be on the safe side, a diet of seeds and pellets are best for our pet birds although you can indulge them every now and then.  Unconsumed foods after an hour of giving it to them should be discarded to prevent bacterial infections.

We should know how to decipher the behavior of our pet bird(s) which will be the key to identify with them as we cannot understand what their chirping about.  Their body language would enable them to communicate with us.  And once we have established a way to commune with them then we can take care of them, tame and train them appropriately.

Below are a few body languages of birds that we can construe:

• When a bird is in a pleasant mood, it would have unperturbed feathers and you’d hear them purr in their aviaries.
• A bird seeking attention or is excited would be shaking its head.
• Their aggression, excitement or pleasure can also be demonstrated when their pupils are dilating or flashing.  If dilated pupils are accompanied by tail fanning or puffed up feathers, be wary of getting in contact with your bird as they tend to be aggressive and bite you.
• If your bird sneezes, that is a sign of irritation in the nasal cavity, perhaps dust or small bug or even feathers.  An unusual sneeze with nasal discharge should merit a visit to the vet.
• A young bird that is constantly biting is normal especially during teething age.  However older birds that tend to bite is a sign of aggression and displeasure.
• When feeling good and contended, a bird tends to grind its beak.  However when your pet bird clicks its beak, it shows your pet is feeling threatened.
• Birds bob their tail as they sing or when they are sick.  If you notice your bird bobbing its tail while simply breathing, bring it to your vet for checkup.
• When your pet bird’s wings quiver, it shows that they are afraid or nervous.  Talk to them calmly and assure them everything is okay.

We, as owners, could get annoyed with our pets bad behavior.  A number of reasons may be behind such and hormones could even be a reason why birds show negative traits.

Like us, our pet birds undergo a phase when they sexually mature. Age of birds to reach this stage varies depending on their size.  Bigger birds achieve this on the fourth year while smaller birds experience it on their twelfth month.  Birds begin to be very susceptible.

Birds are sensitive creatures especially when they have reached maturity.  Changes in routine could stress our birds out.  If there are objects that seem to bother them, take it away where they cannot see it.  Constant interaction and allowing them time to stretch their wings with could improve your bird’s manners.

In order to keep our birds happy, we need to be patient with them and show that we care and understand.  It will affect their manners in a way that having them would be rewarding.

Here are some pointers to reduce the stress on your pet during a move:

• Relocating can be very taxing to both pet owners and their pets.  When your bird sees you packing and getting busy for the move, they will sense that something is up and about.  This could make them stressed so a good thing to do is talk to your bird as you would with a companion and explain things.  When they see your comforting face and calming words, their stressed are lessened.  They may not fully understand what you’re saying however your body language would tell them a great deal.  Better move your bird in a secured and quiet room while you wrap things up with your packing.
• As their owner, you’re better acquainted with your bird.   It will provide indication if they are more sensitive than others of their kind.  Some birds enjoy a ride while others are nervous traveler.
• When the movers are in your place and starting the move, place your bird in a quiet place away from the activities.  Your pet should be in its travel aviary and be the last to leave.  Place the bird first in a quiet place upon arriving at your destination before bringing in the boxes.  Try and relax the bird by putting on music, this also masks the noise of unpacking.
• If relocating entails a long drive, least stops are better.  Buy food at a drive-thru if possible.  If eating in a resto, take into account the weather as leaving your bird in the car may not be a good idea.
• When relocating to a different state, this would require a long move.  Check the state regulations about your pets as some state may have laws that ban bird entering their region, especially if you have an out of the ordinary bird.
• Long distance moves may require you to check in hotels or motels.  Check with your accommodations for regulations on your pets as there may be additional charges.  You would not want to leave your pet by your car.
• Prepare a health certificate of your pet from your veterinarian when moving interstate or simply to another city.  This will come handy when dealing with a new doctor at your new place.

Travelling with your pet would involve preparations, especially when you are flying.  Ensure that they would allow birds to be on the flight.  If this is permitted, your pet would most probably be placed in the cargo area.  Make sure that your birds would be comfortable during the duration of the flight.

You can get your pet bird used to making trips by taking it to brief day treks.  Bear in mind that when taking your bird for a drive, do not place him on the front seat as the air bag may suddenly open causing severe or even fatal harm.

Again, you are better acquainted with your bird.  Learn your pet’s preference if they want their cage covered when taking them out.  Some birds would enjoy taking in what’s happening around.  Be mindful of the noise in your car, as well as the vapors that they may inhale such as cigarette smoke and/or air fresheners.

One good thing to keep in mind is to make your pet birds snug and comfy during the whole journey.

The music industry showcases songs a few songs on birds that has become popular

• Blackbird (Beatles) – Blackbirds are usually portrayed as bad however Beatles turned that misconception about as the used blackbirds as a symbol for hope.

• Free as a Bird (Beatles) – song on the creatures freedom.

• Rockin’ Robin (Bobby Day) – a song that can be enjoyed together by both your pet and you.

• Three Little Birds (Bob Marley) – a happy tune you’d take pleasure in listening to.

• Yellow Bird (Chris Isaak) – an emotional song on soaring high from problems and being free.

Not getting enough of birds thru songs, birds have also become theme for documentaries and movies for their flying abilities and other characteristics.

In 2003, The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill was released under the direction of Judy Irving.  It is a touching documentary of a homeless musician who found meaning in his life when he befriended conures, from the parrot family, in San Francisco.  The documentary showcased Mark Bittner being able to preserve the flock; the birds also assisted him in discovering his personal and professional path.

Another documentary made public in 2005, March of the Penguins lead us into learning about the emperor penguins, especially their survival in harsh conditions.  The documentary garnered acclaim for Best Documentary Feature in the Academy Award of same year.  There was dubbing for the penguins like they could talk in the original French version of the documentary.  The American version had Morgan Freeman narrating the story.

The Real Macaw (1997) and Paulie (1998) are among the fictional bird movies depicting their and their owners adventures and misadventures.  Bird aviary owners usually turn out to be children in these motion pictures.

Birds are featured in a number of great photographs.  One of the popular types of nature photography involves birds.  Taking pictures of birds, and those in the wild specifically is quite a challenge to most photographers.   It is a balance of knowing the technicalities of picture taking as well as being familiar and understanding the birds’ behaviour.

Tamed birds could also pose as models.  Set up the background and engage your bird for ease of capturing their pictures.  Ensure to get more than a couple of snap shots for more options in choosing the best.

Fashion has also been inspired by birds creating interesting works.  The designs of Caroline Baker for the Charleston Fashion Week last March 2009 showcased bird-inspired line.  Called the Plumage Collection by the designer, Ms. Barker dubbed her collection as “eco-couture.”  There were 14 bird-inspired pieces in the set.

And who knows what other things could be inspired by our avian friends.  They are not only pets but serve as inspiration for producing great art works.

Birds have been widely accepted pets some four centuries ago.  Birds have been part of the courts and palaces of long ago before they became part of our household.

If you are considering on getting a pet bird, there are a few things that you need to take into account.  Among these are your ability to carry out added financial responsibilities and the task of taking care of a pet.  Birds are social creatures and cannot be deemed as a low maintenance pet like most people think.  They need interaction from their owners.  You will be surprised how long birds can live with proper care.

And if you have reached a decision of taking care of a bird or two, here are some of the most popular birds to take on as pets:

African Greys – said to be the cleverest among the birds.  With training, they can have a vast vocabulary.  And because of this cleverness it is essential to give them stimulating toys in their aviaries.  Their longevity can reach up to 50 to 70 years.

Canaries – require minimal attention from their owners.  They prefer living in small flocks.  Life span of canaries is about a decade.  What endears people to these birds is their beautiful singing voice.  The voices of male canaries are richer compared to the females.

Cockatiels – belongs to the parrot family thus they have the ability to learn human words.  Their singing and whistling capacities are pretty much complex.  They can mimic car other bird calls, ringing phone and car alarm.  They can live up to 15 to 20 years.

Lovebirds – are typically quiet birds.  So if you have neighbors close by who can easily get distracted by too much bird noise, these are ideal pet birds.  They are also part of the parrot family.  Although tagged as lovebird, some owners opt to have a single bird as opposed to usual pair so that there is a good bonding of human-bird tandem.

Parakeets – are also known as budgies or budgerigar.  Ideal for newbies in taking care of birds, these birds come small to medium and easier to care for.  These species are highly sociable and has the tendency to be boisterous and destructive.  They can live up from 12 to 14 years.

Friendly as these birds may be, some pet owners prefer exotic birds that usually originated from countries in Africa, Asia or Australia.  They would choose species from the parrot family because of their enchanting colors and the intelligence these birds exhibit.
Bear in mind that when brining in birds from other countries, one should follow the stipulations of the law for such procedures.  Illegal transfer of birds may upset the number of birds in their usual settings.  It could lead to endangerment or even affect health of humans and birds.

Grave illnesses can be brought in a country for failure to comply with the proper procedures for importing wild and exotic pets and the United States has been among the affected.  The exotic Newcastle Disease and avian flu could be among these diseases that can be passed on.

Ensure that the birds you import from other countries have been checked by vets and avian experts for diseases.  Appropriate government permits and health certificate from a veterinarian is required to ensure legality of taking in the bird.  Birds entering illegally are usually the carriers of most aviary diseases and outbreak.

There are a lot of alternatives for selecting the perfect bird for you.  The birds will be around for a while when you decide to take them in, regardless of its breed, appearance and size.  Select the bird that you can enjoy as they are not commodities you can easily discard when you no longer want them.

So how do you make your bird in high spirits?

A healthy bird is a happy bird.  Caring for our birds needs attention to their diet, housing and social requirements.  Taking in a pet is a big responsibility so manage it well lest you give up and leave your bird unattended or they escape from us.

Below are few tips to make our feathered companions delighted.

Cage and Shelter

Consider that birds need ample room to move when you select their aviary.  Small birds ought to have perches where they can move about while larger birds have room to spread their winds without contact to the sides of the cage.  Perches provide mobility to the bird to prevent them injuring their feet for hanging about in a single stance.  This should also lead access to water and food.

Offer them toys suited for them.  Some bird toys are affordable and sometimes they are for free, just know where to look.  Also, try placing safe and edible plants and/or non-toxic wood inside the cage for a more ‘natural’ comfort for your pet.

When selecting for the appropriate place where you can put your bird’s cage, find one where your bird can be safe and has a quiet environment.  Never situate them in the kitchen as the cleaning and cooking smell could be hazardous to them.  Bear in mind that like humans, birds also need vitamin D from direct sunlight.

Daily cleaning of cages should be done to rid it of bacteria.  You may use water and a mild disinfectant.  As fumes can be harmful to your pet bird, move them to a safe place.

Grooming and Nutrition

Seeds are not the only food birds consume.  A bird purely feeding on seeds could die early.  Their diet should include dairy foods, fruits, grains and vegetables.  Do not give them processed food, especially those loaded with sugar.  Avocadoes and chocolates are high in sugar so better not offer these to your pet.  Fresh water should always be available for your bird.

Baths should be regularly done for your pet bird.  You can place a dish with an inch or two of water for smaller birds.  Or you may also shower spray them with water, especially for larger birds.  When your bird suffers molting, it is necessary to give them a bath.

Like any creature, birds need sleep.  Ensure that their cage is place in a quiet and dark area for your bird to sleep.

Socialization

You need to interact with your bird as they are social creatures.  Studies shows that neglected birds develop behavioral problems like plucking their birds.  Quality time should be spent with your pet birds to make them jovial.

Placing your bird’s cage in the family room is a good idea.  The bird will be able to interact with family members.  It is also beneficial for birds to be provided free flight opportunity for them to stretch and move about.  Having the bird in the family room with the rest of the family provides wonderful socialization time.

If your pet bird is small or medium-sized, you will need a heavy dish or basin filled with an inch or two or lukewarm water or one that’s at room temperature.  Cold water can freeze them and not advisable to use.  The water mimics a puddle that is used by birds in the wild when they want to bathe.  Take them in a warm room where there is not draft.  And it is better to bathe them early in the day.  This gives them ample time to dry themselves prior to bedtime.

A dish is not sufficient for larger birds.  An alternative to bathing them is taking them out from their cage, place them on a perch and lightly run water on them.  An ideal place is the bathroom or the kitchen.  With hose in hand to bathe them, never squirt water directly on their face.  Also, it is not advisable to soak our pet bird’s feathers.  This can impair their flight and lead to loss of body heat.

Either way of bathing your pet – in a bowl or on a perch, water is enough to bathe them.  Shampoos or soap would be harmful for our bird as it strips them of their natural oils.

You can dry your bird using a towel or let them dry naturally.  When using a towel make sure to pat your bird following the direction of how the feather grows.

Clean out the aviary before putting your bird back in.  The bedding gets doused with water while your pet is washing there is a tendency for bacteria to grow on the damp bedding which can cause sickness to our birds.  Also, clean the sink or the basin used for your bird’s bath with mild soap and water to keep it sanitized and you’re assured of protection for everyone in your household.

Once or twice in a week is the recommended frequency for our pet birds.  However during hot season you can give them more than a couple baths in a week to help remove prickling and irritation.  Observe your pet how often they like taking a bath as some birds are against it.  When this occurs, introduce bathing little by little for them to take pleasure in it.  Perhaps a way to entice our picky birds to bathe is get ourselves wet together with them so eventually they’d figure out that it is perfectly fine.

As like any bath, it is a revitalizing episode and one that our pet birds should have more often.

First on the list is food and water.  You can seeds or pellets from the pet shop for your bird.  You may also jazz up their diet once in a while however do not give them chocolates, some fruits and vegetables which are verified as toxic for their health.  Hydrate your pet with lots of water so they will not perish.  Regularly check the water bottle you have in their cage and see that it’s working properly.

Grooming of your bird is also essential.  They need to have their wings clipped for graceful landing and prevent erratic flight.  And apart from clipping of wings, your pet bird also has to have a regular bath.  This can be done by having them wash in a bowl that mimics a puddle or shower them with hose.  However, do not use shampoo or soap as this strip them of their natural oil and damage their feathers.  Dry them by patting towel over or simply let them do it naturally.  Do not use hair dryer to prevent burning them.

Someone may have mentioned never to keep your bird by the window or expose them to drafts but no explanation were provided.  This prevents the bird from inhaling toxic fumes if they are placed near the kitchen.  Drafts can also lead to loss of body heat leading to sickness.

Smoking or exposing them to fumes of household cleaning agents could affect your bird’s health.  It may lead to inflammation, respiratory problems and even their death.

Your pet bird requires room to spread their wings so you will need big cage for them. Getting them an aviary also prevents them from having internal injuries if they bump their heads on the sides of their cage.

There are some bird owners who happen to have other pets in the house.  If you have multiple pets, set your eye on your bird if you take them out of their cage.  If you have different species of birds, be sure to have them caged separately as some type could not exist side-by-side.

If you bring your bird wherever you go, never leave them in the car.  They can die of heat especially in humid temperatures.

Regularly take your pet bird to the vet for checkup.  Sensing that something is amiss with your bird, bring them to the clinic immediately for closer evaluation to prevent more serious complications.

Lastly, do not forget to take your bird back into the cage during bedtime.  Instead of risking what may happen to your pet bird as you are sleeping, as well, better put them back in their cage for safety.

Even though we cannot foretell what perils can meet your bird, their longevity depends on how you take care of them.  Consult your vet is you need assistance.