Are you considering adopting a pet bird? Good for you! Birds have very specific care needs, so if you have never had one before, you’ll want to do some research before you proceed. A vet discusses bird adoption below.

Compatibility

We love birds! However, they aren’t necessarily going to be the right match for every family. One thing to consider is other pets. Polly can live with dogs and cats, but you’ll need to keep them separated. Air quality is another concern. Our feathered friends have very sensitive lungs, and can get quite sick from breathing fumes and vapors. If your housemates smoke indoors, or do a lot of crafts that involve chemicals, you’ll need to be extra careful.

Breeds

Different types of birds have very different needs and personality traits. A finch, for instance, is very tiny and quiet, and may be quite timid. A parrot, on the other hand, may enjoy belting out songs and dancing, and will need lots of toys and playtime, as well as a big cage. Be sure to pick a bird that will fit into your household.

Lifespan

Longevity is also something to consider. Some birds live over 50 years! That’s a much longer commitment than adopting a dog or cat entails. Polly also gets very attached to her owners, and can be traumatized by being rehomed multiple times. Adoption is forever!

Care Needs

Polly will spend a lot of time in her cage, but she’ll get very restless and unhappy if she’s stuck in it all the time. Like any other pet, birds need lots of love and attention, as well as toys and playtime. You’ll need to give your little buddy time out of her cage every day. Birds are very small and fragile—not to mention curious and playful—so you’ll need to make sure your home is safe for your colorful little buddy. Birdproofing is a must!

Getting Settled

Once you’ve done your research and thought things over, the next step is adopting your winged buddy. You’ll want to have Polly’s cage ready for her, so make sure to choose your bird before you go shopping. A trip to the vet’s is definitely in order. Aside from that, just enjoy getting to know your new pet. We suspect it won’t take your feathered pal long to melt your heart! Do you have questions about bird care? Contact us!