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So, you think you might like a fine, feathered friend to be your companion over the next couple of years? Try the next 8-80 years (depending upon the species).

Adopting a bird means a lifelong commitment; the length of the bird's life may be longer than your own! Many people adopt pet birds and when the initial infatuation wears off they spend less time with the bird; the bird becomes lonely and begins to be noisy in an attempt to gain attention. The noisy bird is then carted off (sold, etc.) to another family in which it undergoes the same unfortunate path. These birds can become aggressive, lonely, sick, and have even starved themselves to death over the loss of a particular owner, etc. Some birds resort to feather picking and self-mutilation in order to overcome boredom and loneliness. Birds are very social animals and in nature are found in flocks for safety and social reasons. So, before deciding on a bird as a pet, first consider your lifestyle and what the bird will be to you, but more importantly, what you can offer to the bird. Birds are a huge time commitment. If you travel a lot, have young children, live in an apartment or crowded dwelling, or have a very busy, active social life, a bird is probably not the pet for you.

Birds require special dietary needs (fresh chopped fruits, veggies, breads, pastas, nectars, etc-depending upon the species), clean enclosures, fresh water daily (sometimes several times a day depending upon fecal contamination), routine medical and grooming care, and lots and lots of attention. Birds ARE messy, as they tend to throw food and are difficult to "paper train". Cage cleaning can be necessary daily in some species of birds depending upon size of bird, number of birds, and size of enclosure(s). If "clean" is your middle name, then birds are not for you.

Most people want a bird that will "talk" because it is cute and creates attention, etc. NOT All SPECIES OF BIRDS CAN BE TRAINED TO TALK! Check references to be sure the bird you are interested in has been trained to talk. Keep in mind that not all birds WILL talk even if they come from a species that is known to. Some birds can tend to scream (normal for them in their natural environment for the purpose of mating, warning or socialization), which can irritate apartment dwellers and neighbors. If you live in close proximity to others, then birds are probably not for you!

You have allergies and can't have a dog or cat, so you want a bird! Keep in mind that many species of birds can be just as "allergenic" as dogs and cats. Most species produce feathers called down feathers that can be very allergenic. Others produce a powder-like substance that remains on the feathers for water resistance which can also be very allergenic to people. Some birds will produce (Cockatoos, Cockatiels, etc). If you have allergies, birds are probably not for you!

Birds can and do bite. Depending upon the size of the bird, the damage can range from a pinch to the loss of a finger, etc. Remember that some can crack hard nuts with their beaks alone! The larger birds (Macaws, Cockatoos, Amazons, etc.) can do lots of damage to a home if left unsupervised. They have been known to tear holes in drywall, gnaw wooden furniture, banisters, and fixtures, cupboards, and even attack other household pets. Supervision is always necessary when owning a bird for its safety and the safety of your home (and children). If you cannot give 100% of your attention to your bird when it is out of its cage or you have very small children, then birds are not for you!

Care of birds can be expensive considering certain dietary needs, cage requirements, replacement of destroyed items, veterinary bills, and bird food is not generally cheap. So, if you are looking for cheap entertainment or companionship, then birds probably won't work for you!

Obtaining books on birds and the species of interest are of primary importance prior to adopting a bird. Education about care and specific needs is key to owning and maintaining a happy, healthy, well-adjusted bird in your lifestyle. With all of that said and you feel that you have the time, money and commitment to a bird, see article on Tips for Purchasing or Adopting Your Pet Bird and Good luck! Check out the following list of books on birds for more ideas and information!)

Bird Care and Training : An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet (Owners Guide to a Happy, Healthy Pet)
by Pam Higdon, Pamela Leis Higdon

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS

Budgerigars : Everything About Purchase, Care, Nutrition, Behavior, and Training (Barron's Complete Pet Owner's Manuals)
by Immanuel Birmelin

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obid

Doves : Everything About Purchase, Housing, Care, Nutrition, Breeding, and Diseases : With a Special Chapter on Understaning Doves (Complete Pet Owne)
by Matthew M. Vriends

http://www.amazon.com

MacAws : Everything About Purchase, Management, Housing, Feeding, Health Care, and Breeding/a Complete Pet Owner's Manual
by Roger G. Sweeney

http://www.amazon.com/exec/

The Cockatiel Handbook
by Matthew M. Vriends, Michele Earle-Bridges

http://www.amazon.com/exec/o

The Lovebird (An Owner's Guide to a Happy, Healthy Pet)
by Pamela Leis Higdon

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/

Conures Complete Owner's Manual
by Matthew M. Vriends