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Considering a Companion Bird?

By Anne Watkins

You've seen the magazine ads--a brightly feathered parrot is perched on someone's shoulder, gazing into the person's eyes with love. Or maybe you've seen the ads featuring tiny Easter-egg colored parakeets clambering all over a miniature play gym. Very cute, indeed...and they make you wish you had a bird of your own.

But there is much more to sharing your life with a companion bird than pretty pictures. Living with parrots can be richly rewarding and emotionally satisfying for you and the bird, but there are many factors to be considered before you bring home your first feathered companion. Here are a few points to think about before you start shopping:

Don't just rush out and buy the first pretty bird you see. Research, research, research! There are many wonderful sources of information on the Internet about pet birds. Before you plunk down that cash, read up on the parrots you are most interested in, or visit a breeder. You may realize that your first choice won't work out for you or the bird! By giving careful consideration to diet requirements, caging needs, personality traits, and even body size, you will be able to narrow down your search and make the most informed decision.
What kind of living quarters can you provide for your bird? You will need as large a cage as you can afford, with bar spacing specifically tailored for the type of bird you want. You will also need to find a safe play area outside the cage, preferably in a room with screened windows and secure doors, and no access to open water sources, such as toilets or aquariums. Of course, you will make sure that ceiling fans are turned off during play time!
If you have other family pets, you will need to supervise any and all play time between them and the bird. It only takes one moment of carelessness on your part for a tragedy to occur. Pets can get along and play nicely together, but rivalry for your affection is to be expected. Keep your eyes open!
You will be responsible for providing the best diet possible for your bird. There are many wonderful foods available on pet store shelves these days. To make sure you are choosing the best for the breed of bird you have, visit your favorite veterinarian and find out what he or she recommends.
Don't forget to take the neighbors into consideration before you bring that new parrot home! Do you live in an apartment where bird noise, especially that of a larger bird such as an Amazon, will disturb the folks next door? Remember, you want people to like your bird, not to complain about it! And don't leave out your family. Will everyone in the household welcome the bird? Discuss all the details with everybody involved beforehand. Don't get the bird first, then find out that a family member can't stand anything with feathers.

Remember: This is by no mean a comprehensive list of things to consider before purchasing a bird. It is a place to start, though, and you will come up with more things you'd like to ask about as you go along.

Wondering where you can ask those questions? There are many message boards on the Internet where you can post questions, (or even offer advice as you become more experienced!) and you will find people there who have experience with almost any type of bird you can name!

Sharing your life with a companion bird is one of the most wonderful experiences you will ever have. I can't imagine life without my birds! They are truly a basic part of my family and we refer to them as ‘our boys'. But more about that later....