SB PETS
Why birds make GREAT pets
BY HAILEY LAWSON
Birds are an excellent pet for a home with children and also help teach children the responsibility of owning and caring for a pet. If you have limited space or limited funds, a pet bird or a pair of them just might be a good fit for you. Recently, birds have become very popular as pets. Pet birds have many positive attributes but very few negative characteristics. Birds are friendly and affectionate and offer great companionship…returning all the love you can give. They form strong relationships with people and make excellent companions. Birds don’t need to be walked, don’t have fleas, and don’t smell. Additionally, they are small and require less space than other pets. Another important factor is that pet birds are one of the cheapest pets to own and manage. If you are considering a bird as a pet, think about the following:
BIRDS ARE INTELLIGENT
Birds are, without a doubt, some of the smartest animals in the animal kingdom. They have a capacity to learn, which makes them fascinating as pets. Birds have excellent problem-solving and cognitive skills. Once a bird bonds with its owner, it learns and reacts to human behavior.
EASY TO CARE FOR
Birds can be locked inside their cages when you are gone from home or when you are busy. Therefore, housebreaking is generally not an issue, and because they are relatively small, training them can be less demanding than working with larger animals. This makes them a suitable choice of pet for the young, elderly, or disabled.
MINIMAL GROOMING
Birds are naturally very hygienic; bird owners can usually maintain their pet’s health and good looks with a quick nail trim, a feather clipping now and then, and a non-chlorinated shower of water once or twice a week.
VERY SOCIAL CREATURES
A bird is a great choice if you want a pet that will form a strong bond with you. With proper training and socialization, birds are as loving and affectionate as cats or dogs. Some birds become inseparable from their owners. They can also be easily trained to do simple tasks and tricks for you since they are excellent at mimicry.
FAIRLY INEXPENSIVE TO FEED
Birds eat a very small amount of food each day relative to other types of pets, and the highest quality bird feed is less expensive than the protein-packed products required for dogs and cats. It is essential to provide birds with a high-quality pellet diet; however, they also greatly benefit from fresh fruits and vegetables. Your bird will love the end pieces you would normally cut from vegetables and fruits and discard. Just make sure that the foods you share are safe and not toxic to birds.
DO NOT REQUIRE A LOT OF SPACE
Small bird species such as budgies, canaries, and finches make lovely pets for people with limited space. A small bird’s cage can easily fit into a cozy living space.
LONG-LIVED COMPANIONS
Many bird species live extremely long lives, some living over 100 years! This often eases the concerns of people wanting a pet they can love and enjoy for many years, especially if children are involved.
Birds make wonderful pets. They are able to thrive in a caring and loving household. However, remember that different species of birds have different needs, and it’s important to be aware of a bird’s temperament, behavior, diet, and living requirements before choosing a pet bird. The right bird breed can make an excellent feathered friend for you and your family!
