Birds can make fantastic pets for the right owners. They are intelligent, affectionate, and beautiful animals. However, birds also require specialized care and plenty of attention. Owning a pet bird is a big commitment. In this article, we’ll go over the pros and cons of bird ownership to help you decide if a bird is the right pet for you.
Pros of Owning a Pet Bird
There are many benefits to sharing your home with a feathered friend. Here are some of the best things about having a pet bird:
They are affectionate
Many parrot species form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy spending time together. With proper training and socialization, birds can be very affectionate and loving pets. They will often happily perch on their owner’s shoulder or snuggle up close while being petted.
They are intelligent
Birds like parrots and corvids are incredibly intelligent creatures. Their brains are structured differently than mammals, but they are excellent problem solvers and can be trained to do tricks, talk, and more. Interacting with a smart pet bird is fun and stimulating.
They have unique personalities
Just like people, every bird has their own distinct personality. Some are bold and adventurous, while others are shy and timid. Spending time with your bird allows you to discover all their quirks that make them special.
They can talk
Certain species of birds are excellent talkers. Parrots like African grays, cockatoos, and some Amazon parrots can mimic human speech and sounds. With patience and training, you may be able to teach your bird to say words, phrases, or make silly noises.
Their beauty
Birds come in a rainbow of colors and have gorgeous plumage. Their bright feathers and graceful movements add beauty and interest to any room. Watching brightly colored parrots like macaws and cockatoos fly around or show off their plumage is a delight.
They entertain
Pet birds are fun and energetic. Watching them play, fly around, bang toys, and interact is an excellent source of entertainment. Birds are naturally curious and will get into all kinds of antics that will make you smile.
Cons of Bird Ownership
However, owning a pet bird also comes with challenges and drawbacks. Here are some of the potential downsides:
Expense
Birds and their supplies can be quite costly. The bird itself can range from $20 to over $1000 depending on species. Then you need a large cage, perches, toys, food, treats, vet bills, and more. Annual costs often add up to over $1000 per year.
Mess
Birds poop frequently and are somewhat messy eaters. This means you’ll be cleaning the cage, changing food and water, and wiping up bird droppings on a daily basis. Birds may also scatter food, feathers, or debris around their cage.
Destruction
Birds naturally love to chew, shred, and rip apart items. If given the chance, they will happily destroy books, furniture, wiring, and more in your home. Careful supervision and bird-proofing is a must.
Noise
While singing and talking can be charming, it can also become annoying at times. Some birds screech, scream, and make repetitive noises. This is especially frustrating in apartments or shared homes.
Time commitment
As highly social and intelligent creatures, birds require daily one-on-one interaction and supervised time outside of their cage. Responsible bird owners spend several hours a day caring for and interacting with their pet.
Special diet
Birds eat specialized diets like seeds, pellets, vegetables, and fruits. Meeting your bird’s nutritional needs takes research and careful planning. Kitchen scraps or bread alone will lead to malnutrition.
Vet care
There are not as many qualified avian vets, so care can be more challenging. Routine check-ups and emergencies for exotic pets are often more expensive than dogs or cats.
Travel limitations
It’s tricky to travel or vacation with pet birds. You’ll need a trusted friend or sitter to watch them if you go out of town. Boarding options are limited for exotic pets.
Good Bird Species for Beginners
Some birds make better starter pets than others. Here are great options for first-time owners:
Budgies
Also known as parakeets, these petite Australian parrots measure around 7 inches tall. They are inexpensive, have sweet personalities, adapt well to captivity, and live 5-10 years.
Cockatiels
Small members of the cockatoo family reaching 12 inches tall. Cockatiels are mellow, easy to tame, not very loud, and have long 15-20 year lifespans.
Canaries
Tiny finch-like songbirds under 5 inches tall. Canaries are easy care, have charming songs, and live 7-10 years. They can be kept alone or in pairs.
Parrotlets
These tiny parrots reach just 3-5 inches full grown. They are spunky, playful, and relatively quiet. Parrotlets bond strongly with owners and live 15-20 years.
Doves
Gentle small pigeons species like diamond doves. They are super docile, live 10+ years, and require minimal care compared to parrots. Doves enjoy living in pairs.
Finches
Including zebra, society, and Gouldian finches. These tiny songbirds do well in aviaries or colony cages. Finches are inexpensive, quiet, and under 5 inches tall.
Good Bird Species for Experienced Owners
These birds are best suited to expert owners able to provide specialized care:
African grey parrots
Extremely intelligent parrots needing constant stimulation and attention. They excel at mimicry and form close bonds. Lifespan 40-60 years.
Cockatoos
Demanding attention-seekers needing extensive care and supervision. Sensitive birds prone to plucking feathers when stressed or bored. Lifespan 40-60 years.
Amazons
Medium to large parrots full of personality and vocal abilities. Require lots of space, enrichment, and training. Lifespan 25-50 years.
Macaws
Largest parrot species making demanding, destructive pets. Need enormous cages and extensive handling. Lifespan 50-75 years.
Conures
Rambunctious small parrots needing consistent training and activity. Tend to be noisy and nippy. Lifespan 15-30 years.
Parrotlets
Feisty little birds that aren’t for novice owners. Require an experienced hand to socialize and bond with. Lifespan 15-20 years.
Lovebirds
Small parrots that should be kept in pairs. Tend to bond with bird mate over humans. Lifespan 10-15 years.
Important Considerations Before Getting a Bird
Here are some key things to ponder before making the commitment to pet bird ownership:
Lifespan
Some birds like parrots live upwards of 50-70 years. Are you ready to care for a pet for that long? Re-homing exotic pets can be challenging.
Costs
Birds and their supplies are pricey. Budget at least $1000/year for food, toys, vet visits, etc. Emergency vet bills can be $1000+.
Time
Most birds require 2+ hours of direct interaction daily outside their cage. Can you commit to actively engaging with your pet each day?
Mess
Birds poop frequently and shed feathers. Daily cleaning is a must. Can you deal with the mess that comes with owning a bird?
Noise
Loud vocalizations like squawking, talking, and mimicking can grate on the nerves. Apartment dwellers should avoid noisy species.
Allergies
Bird dander, dust, and feathers can aggravate allergies. Spend time with species you’re considering first if allergies are a concern.
Travel
Exotic pets like birds often cannot be boarded. Are you willing to sacrifice vacations and trips to care for your pet?
Kids
Larger parrots can injure kids with bites and scratches. Supervise all interactions between children and birds.
Conclusion
Birds can make wonderful pets for owners able to meet their specialized needs. They are beautiful, intelligent, and form close bonds. However, birds require lots of time, attention, and maintenance. The right species paired with an informed owner can make an excellent human-bird partnership. But birds are demanding creatures not suited for everyone’s lifestyle. Carefully consider a bird’s needs alongside your own before bringing one home.
