With instruction and supervision, even younger kids (over age 5) may be able to help care for budgies or cockatiels. Small birds require smaller cages, but make sure you’re still providing adequate space according to the bird breed’s needs. Talk to the breeder or your vet for guidance. Smaller birds tend to live shorter lifespans, often in the range of 5-10 years.
Mid-sized birds can present a danger (from biting or scratching) to smaller children. If you have pre-teens or teens at home, however, parrotlets and lovebirds might work out well. Mid-sized (and larger) birds don’t thrive when left home alone for long stretches, so take your work schedule and social calendar into account. Smaller birds require regular attention as well, but aren’t quite so needy.
Because of a large bird’s long lifespan, consider what your life might be like in 5, 10, and 20 years down the road. Are you relatively confident that you’ll be able to provide a stable, healthy home for the bird for years or decades to come? Larger parrots like macaws are not suited to households with children, especially younger children. Even with a trimmed beak and claws and good training, a large bird can easily injure a child. Don’t ignore the financial responsibility either. Even a small parakeet can cost around $500 USD per year to care for, and larger birds can cost 2 or even 3 times more. That means a macaw might be a 50-year, $75,000 USD investment![4] X Research source
Decide if you want a really active bird that will constantly be talking and flying, or whether you want a beautiful, quieter bird just to give you company. A huge, talking African grey parrot will behave quite differently from a small, singing canary. Some birds need specific diets or other special care. Lories, for example, are medium-sized birds known for their striking colors. However, they have highly specialized digestive systems that require a diet of pollen, nectar, and fruit—which results in ample and messy liquid droppings.
Birds are noisy pets, so if you have neighbors in close proximity, you should at least alert them beforehand. They may need to make some adjustments as well.
How frequently do you breed pairs per year? (If shouldn’t be more than 3 times. ) What kind of diet do you provide? What kind of veterinary care do your birds receive? What can you tell me about this bird’s genetic background?
The store should look and smell clean, and the birds’ cages should be roomy, clean, and stocked with a variety of food and clean water. The birds should seem friendly and social, not terrified. Ask questions, such as: “What type of diet do you feed the birds?”; “Which breeders do you use?”; “Do you offer a 48-72-hour “health guarantee?” (This gives you time to take the bird to an avian vet to make sure it is healthy. ) If they won’t or can’t give you satisfactory answers, look elsewhere. [9] X Research source
If you’re working with a shelter or rescue operation, get as much information as possible about the bird’s previous ownership and any health or behavioral concerns. Some groups may offer training for taking in abandoned birds—if so, sign up. If you’re considering taking in a bird from a friend or family member who can no longer care for it (due to moving, for instance, or other reasons), spend increasing amounts of time with the bird beforehand to help ease the transition.
There’s a difference between being more quiet and subdued (which some birds naturally are) and being terrified, though. If the bird appears to be overly anxious or fearful around people, it probably has been mistreated.
Healthy birds take pride in self-grooming, so looking unwell is a good sign that they feel unwell. Even smaller birds can have dangerous talons, so these should be kept properly trimmed and maintained. Make sure the seller can tell you about the talon care procedures they use, and give you advice on how to continue this care. [13] X Research source Birds shouldn’t have ruffled or unkempt feathers—instead, they should be smooth and orderly. Otherwise, a bird may have a skin condition or a behavioral issue (which can lead to feather-plucking).
Don’t finalize your purchase until you’re completely satisfied that you’ve gotten all the answers and information you need. Always remember that buying a bird of any size is a long-term, time-intensive, and often very rewarding investment.
If you think all you need is a little cage, some old newspaper, a water dish, and some birdseed, think again. Birds need lots of space, things to keep them occupied, and a varied diet.
Line the bottom of the cage with newspapers or paper towels. This makes clean-up much easier than using wood shavings or cat litter. Plan to change the lining at least every 2 days. Add a sturdy bowl that can be used as a bird bath—make sure it is the right size for your bird to bathe in. Include bird-appropriate toys from a bird supply retailer, such as ladders, bells, and sisal rope toys. The cage should have perches of multiple sizes on multiple levels.
Generally speaking, it’s recommended to feed a bird twice per day. Make sure to provide a constant supply of clean drinking water. Talk to your bird’s veterinarian regarding the ideal amount and mix of pellets and other foods to provide your particular bird.
