Are you adopting a pet bird? Good for you! If you have never had one before, you’ll want to do some research before you proceed, since birds have very specific care needs. A vet talks about bird adoption below.
Compatibility
We really love birds! However, they aren’t necessarily going to fit with every family’s lifestyle. One thing to consider is other pets. Polly can live with dogs and cats, as long as you remember to keep them separated. Air quality is another concern. Our feathery friends have very sensitive lungs, and breathing fumes and vapors can make them quite sick. If your housemates smoke indoors, or do a lot of crafts that involve chemicals, you’ll need to be extra careful.
Breeds
With different types of birds comes very different personality traits and needs. For instance, a finch is very quiet and tiny, and may be quite timid. On the other hand, a parrot may enjoy belting out songs and dancing, and will need a big cage, as well as lots of toys and playtime. Make sure you pick a bird that will fit into your household.
Lifespan
Longevity is something else you’ll want to think about. Some birds live over 50 years! That’s a much longer commitment than adopting a cat or dog entails. And too, Polly gets really attached to her owners, so she can be traumatized if she’s re-homed multiple times. Adoption is a forever commitment!
Care Needs
Polly will likely spend a lot of time in her cage, but she’ll get restless and unhappy if she stays in the cage all the time. Like any other pet, birds need lots of toys and playtime, as well as love and attention. You’ll need to give your little buddy time out of her cage on a daily basis. Birds are curious and playful—not to mention very small and fragile—so you’ll need to make sure your home is safe for your colorful little buddy. Birdproofing is a must!
Getting Settled
After you’ve done your research and thought things through, adopting your winged buddy is the next step. You’ll need to have Polly’s cage ready for her, so be sure to choose your bird before you go shopping. And a trip to the vet’s is definitely in order. Aside from that, enjoy getting to know your new pet. We know it won’t be long before your feathered pal melts your heart!
Do you have any questions about bird care? Contact us!
