Birds as Companion Animals

A parrot can make a wonderful companion animal, if you know what to expect and how to be a good parrot guardian. Keeping a bird in your home is very different from keeping a cat or a dog, and you should learn as much as you can about keeping one if you are thinking about getting a companion parrot. Here are some facts regarding parrot care to seriously consider before you purchase a bird:

Birds live a long time:
So be prepared to commit! Even the shortest bird lifespan is longer than that for a cat or dog. The smaller parrots tend to live around 15 to 20 years, with the larger parrots averaging 50 years. You should make sure you are willing to spend a large portion of your life with your bird and can make arrangements for its care in the event that you pass away or become incapacitated. If you already own a parrot, The Association for Parrot C.A.R.E. can assist you in estate planning to take care of your parrot for the entire length of its life.

Birds need room to live:
Which means buying them a spacious cage. Most likely, your bird will spend a minimum of ten hours a day in that cage, so it should be roomy enough for him to run around and explore. The materials that the cage is made out of are also important – less expensive cages are made from cheap wire that can bend with pain that can chip off and poison your bird. There are guidelines available for the size and materials that are appropriate for the species you are considering. You can also contact The Association for Parrot C.A.R.E. for help in choosing the right cage or assistance in building an outdoor aviary.

Birds need daily interaction:
They want to play with you, and it’s important that they do. Playtime with your bird achieves two important goals – it keeps their brain stimulated and keeps them socialized. A bird who is bored will start to exhibit a number of behavioral problems, such as feather plucking or screaming, and a bird that has not been socialized properly can become aggressive and untouchable.

Birds need proper nutrition:
Which means lots of fresh fruits and veggies.

Birds make noise:
When they are cheerful, angry, excited, annoyed, playing, happy to see you, listening to music, asking for attention, greeting the start of the day, or just celebrating the fact that they are alive. Some species are louder or more vocal than others, but it really depends on the bird. You should be prepared for home full of bird noises, and make sure that this is OK with your neighbors as well.

Birds like to chew:
On a toy or on your furniture.

Birds need regular check-ups:
With a specialized avian veterinarian.

Avian medicine is expensive:
And can be hard to find. Birds are considered exotic companion animals, and a normal veterinarian will probably not know the intricacies of their medical care or have the equipment to treat a bird. Therefore, you will need to make sure you find a veterinarian that specializes in exotic or avian medicine, or at least has experience with birds.

Teflon is deadly:
That’s right, no more non-stick surfaces! When heated, non-stick surfaces such as Teflon (other brand names include Fluon, Excalibur, Halar, Kynar, Sandstrom, Silverstone, Xylan, Ryton, Emralon, Ultralon, Dykor) give off a colorless, odorless gas that is deadly to birds and can kill them in a matter of moments. Unfortunately, non-stick materials are not limited to kitchen products such as pots and pans. Small parts in hair dryers, space heaters, heat lamps, computer printers, irons, and ironing board covers can also contain these substances. If you do own a bird, or are planning on getting one, always contact the manufacturer of a product before you buy – better safe than sorry! Here is a good article on the subject with links to other sources of information.

Other airborne substances can be deadly:
And you might not realize how many there are in your home. Birds have very sensitive respiratory systems, and household items that are scented or give off a gas can make them sick or kill them. Cigarette smoke, insecticides, hairspray, air fresheners, candles, and cleaning products should be kept away from your bird.

“Dusty” birds:
Cockatoos, cockatiels and African Greys have down feathers that disintegrate to form a fine white powdered dander, which can also cause respiratory problems. Many people are allergic to this dust or become allergic over time, so there are extra measures you will need to take to keep your bird, and yourself, healthy. An air purifier is essential and a humidifier is also helpful. In addition, a bath or a shower for your bird at least once per week will help keep the feathers clean. Keep in mind these things won’t eliminate the dust, so you should also be prepared for frequent home cleaning!

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