Birds make wonderful pets but some require quite a
bit of attention. Some birds are quiet while others are
rather noisy. There are birds that bond readily with
their owners and others that are not very affectionate
with humans. Many types of parrots are very popular with people. They
are great talkers, although sometimes loud. Parrots can be very affectionate
but some tend to be aggressive. Parakeets make great pets, also. I've had
mostly parrots, parakeets, and canaries, although I've also taken care of
sparrows that have fallen from their nests that my children have brought
home, and even a wounded pigeon my husband once rescued. I should
mention that it's not a good idea to try to make pets out of wild birds.
When birds such as these have come into my care it was only long enough
for me to tend to their wounds, feed them if necessary and return them to
their natural habitat. But let's get back to choosing a bird for a pet.
As I mentioned, canaries are often a popular choice, but they don't always
bond well with humans. Although they can be affectionate, they most often
are not. If you do choose a canary as a pet, you should buy more than
one, since they tend to get lonely and one canary on its own may not thrive well.
Doves are often desired because of their exquisite beauty
and gracefulness, but they are not very affectionate birds,
either. They should be bought in pairs since they, like
canaries, do not do well alone . Mynah birds are great
talkers who love to mimic everything they hear, and are
quite expert at it. My mother had a mynah bird who was an excellent entertainer.
People would visit just for an evening of fun provided by the bird. Mynahs are
quite tame and friendly, and make excellent pets. I would definitely recommend
a mynah bird as a wonderful choice of pets.
Budgies are popular birds. They are very affectionate and learn to talk well,
and easily. They also adapt well to living indoors. Budgies are another very
good choice of pet birds. Finches are not very good with people and, like
doves and canaries, should be purchased in pairs. Cockatiels are easy to
train. They are tame, friendly birds. They are usually quite good with
children. They can be found in a variety of colors and are wonderful pets.
Cockatiels are high on the list of good birds to choose as a pet.
Cockatoos are another splendid choice. They are very intelligent and
affectionate. They love attention although they sometimes get loud, and may
not get along well with other birds. You may want to consider choosing a
cockatoo for your pet bird if you want a solitary bird that bonds well with
people.
Macaws are the largest type of parrots. They are beautiful birds. I have a
special preference for macaws, although they may not be right for everyone
because they do require a great deal of care. The life expectancy of the
macaw is sixty to seventy years. They are intelligent, affectionate birds
but they tend to be quite loud. They should not be kept with other smaller
birds, and macaws are not well-suited to have around small children. Their
powerful beak and claws could present a danger to young children. They are
simply magnificent birds.
Whatever type of bird you choose, it will need a few days to adjust to its
new surroundings. Make sure you provide it with an adequate food and
water supply. Give the bird plenty of attention and affection. Make sure the
cage is large enough for the bird to completely and comfortably spread its
wings. Provide your new bird with proper care and attention, and you will
have many happy moments with your new pet.
