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Choosing Your First Pet Bird

© Veronica Armstrong

As you probably know, when it comes to choosing a new pet bird, the choices are countless! It can be such a confusing undertaking. I hope that this article helps you through the process. However, before you go out and actually buy one, you need to do a little homework. Please don't buy a bird just for its looks. It is my hope that by the end of this article, you'll understand why.

In this article, I hope to help you get acquainted with some of the most popular birds, and perhaps help you choose an appropriate one for your household. Once you've done that, you'll want to do some further research on your chosen bird. Finally, you'll want everything (cage, food, bowls, etc.) set up before you bring your new bird or birds home. First I will discuss the most popular types of birds, then give you some information about each type, and finally give you my opinion of what makes a good choice for a first bird.

The easiest birds to take care of are Finches and Canaries. Finches are very affordable (about $16 each) and are much happier when bought in pairs. Their gender doesn't really matter, unless you want babies. Two females, or two males, will get along just fine.

Canaries can be quite expensive to buy ($80 and up for the males). Males are the ones that sing. In many stores, females cost less than males; however, females do not sing.

Finches and Canaries are very easy to take care of and to get along with. But they don't like to be handled. These birds are mostly bought for their singing, or beauty. They make an excellent first bird. They don't need toys or human companionship. All they really need is food, water, and a clean cage.

Parrots, however, are a whole different story. Parrots are all birds that have a hooked bill rather than a straight bill. Therefore, even parakeets are considered parrots, whereas Canaries and Finches are not.

Parrots must be bought with a lot of forethought. All but the parakeet requires daily human contact. They simply will not thrive if left to sit in a cage all day. Also, parrots need a varied diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables every day. Finally, both the parrot and his cage can be very expensive. So, as you can see, this is not a decision to be taken lightly.