Well, at the risk of ruffling some feathers, this author leans toward a no answer. But if you do decide to adopt a pet bird, there are some considerations to think about before you do, in order to have the best possible experience for both you and your new feathered friend.
First, birds are never truly domesticated. It takes generations to domesticate an animal. Literally breeding for hundreds of years toward domestication for an animal to be considered as such.
Birds sometimes carry diseases that when in contact with humans might be transmitted to the human family. Both Chlamydiosis (psittacosis) and avian tuberculosis are able to be transmitted through the air from birds to humans in close contact with them. If a person has a compromised immune system, either disease could pose a severe health risk. Birds also continually shed “feather dust.” If anyone in the family has asthma, this will aggravate the asthma.
Often, birds are extremely noisy. The noise may be more than a potential bird owner is prepared for. Parrots, parakeets, and lovebirds are all very loud. They will vocalize from daybreak until sundown. This is a social and also a signaling way for birds to communicate. It is almost a shame if there is not at least one other bird to talk back and forth.
The mess may also be more more than a potential bird own is ready to take on. Birds naturally kick their feet and want to shred things. Wood, paper, furniture, if allowed are all fair game as far as a bird is concerned. Parrots, for instance, need lots of attention, much like a toddler. They want to be busy and active. It is good if you own a parrot, to keep teaching it to do different and new things, much like you would a pet dog.
Birds must be given plenty of room to play. They should have room to move and fly a little in a flight safe room. Do not allow them to get too close to dogs, fans, or children who are not used to birds. If the birds’ wings have been clipped so they cannot fly, they will have to get exercise by hopping and jumping. You can set up a jungle gym type contraption so the birds can climb and hop around freely for plenty of exercise going up and down. Little ladders, ropes, and other toys are great for the birds to be engaged, and to entertain themselves. Still, birds need to be social. If a bird is not allowed social interaction, it will get depressed.
The air quality must be good and the sunlight needs to come into the birds’ area. Birds are outdoor creatures, so if you keep them inside, you have to provide fresh air and fresh sunlight so their environment is as close to what nature intended for them to have.
Last, birds need a variety in their diet. Just seeds alone is not all they need. Birds like fruit and vegetables. Stay away from crackers and bread as these offer very little nutritional value. Also, there are some birds, that live longer than some humans. If you plan to get a bird that has an exceptional longevity in lifespan, you have to plan for the bird in case the bird indeed does outlive you, the owner. A will, or agreement from someone close who will take good care of the bird is always best.
Does all this sound like a great deal of responsibility? It is. Maybe it’s just me, but I think it’s so much easier to enjoy the birds in the nearby trees.
