How to Buy a Bird

Birds make wonderful companions, but they aren't the right pet for everyone. Learn all you can before buying a bird to make sure that you and your pet will be happy together.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Bird Cages
• Bird Food
• Bird Food/water Bowls
• Bird Perches

1. Read a bird book, flip through a few bird magazines, or search some bird Web sites to become familiar with the many breeds and their temperaments.

2. Consider your needs. Do you like peace and quiet, or would you enjoy hours of daily birdsong? Do you have allergies? Do you like to keep all the windows open? How much time do you have to devote to your bird?

3. Talk to bird experts at reputable pet stores, where birds are not overcrowded, underfed or living in dirty cages.

4. Find out if the store has a health guarantee and what the terms are.

5. Examine the birds carefully when making your purchase. Look for any sick birds, which are easy to spot when they're surrounded by healthy birds. Avoid those that have runny eyes and beaks, ruffled feathers, bald patches, or droopy wings.

6. Find an avian veterinarian for the best health care for your new bird.

Tips & Warnings

• Birds make great pets for an older person, or for someone who spends a lot of time at home. On the other hand, they aren't ideal companions for young, energetic children.

• Consider selecting a pair of lovebirds or zebra finches. They are small and easy to care for, sing beautifully, and make great companions. If a bird is going to be left alone a lot, a pair of birds can also keep each other company.

• Avoid buying larger birds, such as macaws. They are more difficult to care for and much more expensive; plus, they produce more dander, which can aggravate allergies.

• Cockatoos have a tendency to bite.