If you have a limited amount of room, mobility, or funds, and you spend a lot of time alone, a pet bird or a pair of them may be a good match for you. Birds can be wonderful companions for senior citizens, single children, and pet-free families, and they can provide years of companionship and enjoyment.
Since many birds migrate thousands of miles twice a year, they are excellent problem solvers. According to the National Audubon Society, birds have problem-solving abilities and cognitive skills that suggest a high level of intelligence. They can count from left to right and use resources.
Chickadees, parrots, and cockatoos all have finely honed problem-solving and mimicking abilities, in addition to being among the most common pets. Although crows are not appropriate as pets, their reasoning abilities have been compared to those of a seven-year-old adult.
Built for Stay-At-Home Families
Birds are flocking creatures, which means they are used to being accompanied at all times. A single bird, like humans, would long for companionship. Many will sing to you, speak to you, and play with you, particularly if you spend time with a bird that has been released from its cage.
Birds are relatively easy to care for compared to four-legged pets who usually wander free; indeed, they all walk the same and can be unattended inside their owners’ homes. When their owners are at work or otherwise occupied, they can be placed inside their cages for protection.
Many people prefer the comfort of cleaning a birdcage once a day to scooping a litter box or having to take their dog for mandatory walks every few hours.
Grooming Isn’t Necessary.
Birds are inherently hygienic beings that preen their feathers on a regular basis to keep them lustrous and tidy. Rather than dealing with shampoos, flea baths, and pricey haircuts, bird owners will normally keep their pets healthy and attractive with a simple nail trim and feather clipping every now and then.
A bird only requires a light shower or spritz of clean, non-chlorinated water once or twice a week to keep clean. The simplicity of bird care is a welcome relief for physically disabled owners.
Social
With the right instruction and socialization, birds may be as caring and affectionate as a cat or dog. Some pet birds are inseparable from their parents, even accompanying them on regular errands like bank or grocery store visits. (In colder climates, this isn’t the safest option for pet birds.) Since they are great at mimicry, they can also be easily equipped to perform basic tasks and tricks for you.
Birds are aware of their owners, cages, and toys, and many will sit on your shoulder to signal that dinner is ready. The more time you spend outside of the cage with your bird, the more imaginative the responses you’ll get when you communicate.
You can still get a second companion bird to add to the flock if you find yourself leaving the house more. However, since birds determine who they like and don’t like very quickly, it’s always best to let your current bird have a say in choosing the new bird.
Feeding is relatively inexpensive.
Even the highest quality bird foods and fresh produce are primarily plant-based foods that are much less expensive pound for pound than the protein-packed products needed for dogs and cats, and even the highest quality bird foods and fresh produce are primarily plant-based foods. They are much less expensive, pound for pound, than the protein-packed products required for dogs and cats.
Pet birds require a high-quality diet consisting of pelleted food, seed foods, and pre-washed fresh produce. However, the mealtime meals that their owners share would be extremely beneficial to them.
Set a small portion aside for your bird’s meal whenever you serve fresh fruits or vegetables in your home so that you can all eat together as a flock.
Your bird would go nuts for the leftovers from vegetables and fruits from the refrigerator. Put the raw bits that are normally discarded in your bird’s dish to good use; they’ll add nutrients and variety to your bird’s diet. Only make sure the foods you’re sharing aren’t harmful to birds.
Companions with a Long Life
Many that have lost a long-term pet will be hesitant to go through the process again, particularly if there are children involved. Many bird species live for a long time, some for over a century.
The bottom line
For people who live in apartments or condominiums with limited space, small bird species such as budgies, canaries, and finches are good choices. A small bird’s cage can comfortably fit into a cozier living area, while larger pets need more space to romp and play.
Tenants of cats and dogs are often charged monthly “pet fees,” but many landlords do not consider birds to be petted. Although you should read the fine print on your contract, a bird can be a cost-effective option for tenants who want to adopt a pet without having to pay extra.