How to Select Birds

Learning how to select the best birds for your home requires patience and research. Birds come in a variety of sizes and personalities and it's important to select the right one to ensure that everybody involved ends up happy. Choosing the right bird is harder than it sounds, as there are many issues that come into play.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Evaluate your level of commitment, available time, budget and previous knowledge of bird issues. All these factors will seriously impact the type of bird that you should get. For example, if you spend a lot of hours outside the house, you may want to select species such as canaries or finches, which require little attention and do well when their basic needs are met. On the other hand, birds like lovebirds, cockatoos and parakeets need more human interaction and would suffer if left alone for long periods of time.
2. Keep in mind that birds are a long-time commitment. Large birds such as parrots can easily reach 50 years of age. Add to that their need for toys, large cages, time free from restrictions and other issues, and you are looking at a considerable investment of both money and time. If you are not ready to commit yourself to this, you are better off not taking in a bird.
3. Visit your local Humane Society to find birds available for adoption. While birds are rarely placed for adoption (at least when compared to the number of dogs and cats), it is possible to find some from time to time. One of the added benefits of visiting the Humane Society is that you will get recommendations and guidance to help you care for your new pet.
4. Stop by the Pet Station website to learn about bird clubs and associations. Each organization will provide you with tips and ideas on the characteristics of different bird species and help you decide which one is the best one for you.
5. Look for magazines geared to bird owners to help you better understand the characteristics of every bird. Magazines such as Winged Wisdom Magazine, Bird Talk and Bird Times provide ample information on selecting and caring for pet birds, along with expert advice on topics such as health, training and feeding birds.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't select a parrot or other large bird if you cannot afford to care for it. Vet expenses and special care will amount to a considerable amount each year.